Monday, March 30, 2015

I am very enthusiastic when it comes to cafe hopping. There are too many new ones in town, however not all of them are worth sharing. I've came across to this new place at PJ state - and infact, they approached me on insta first. I didn't have anymore on the list to visit, so I decided to give it a try.

Twenty One Grams.

Definitely a place you will want to remember when you are around PJ ; because there are not many good coffee around PJ.

The ceiling caught my attention upon arrival.

It's so beautiful , and it reminds me a lot of aussie. Also, the interior designer deserves two thumbs up for this creativity which I never thought of. I love their concept of recycling, to save Mother Earth.

Look at what are the materials used to make this area. I've been to many unique cafes but never once that have so much impact to me. Their 'recycle' concept is definitely something new , and one thing that people should remember of. I love how they promote brunch/coffee culture with an additional moral ethic that everyone should implant in ourselves.

Besides saving the earth, it's a very pretty background for pictures. This would be my favourite seat in the cafe!

A candid picture while listening to the owner explain their thoughts on Twenty One grams. Their whole idea is from Perth's coffee culture, Aussie. I've never heard of anyone mention about Perth when it comes to coffee ; they only remind me of Fish and Chips.

Let's fix the caffeine addiction first;

Caramel Latte at RM11 ; Cappucino at RM10

Twenty One grams emphasize more on their Lattes.

Cappucino is my favourite coffee. Unless other type of coffee is recommended, if not it will always be my choice - my loyalty game strong. Compare to other cafes, they keep their cappuccino basic without any coffee art. As girly as I sound, I was a little disappointed when there's no coffee art however, the coffee has made it all up.

Latte at RM 10.

Chai Latte at RM12

There is three types of Latte which are very rare, because it is so difficult to find good ones around. Those three are Red Latte, Rose Latte and Chai Latte. Red and Rose Latte falls in the same category.

As for Chai Latte , it will be 'all or nothing'.

They either taste awesome, or horrible. I've once tried Chai Latte randomly around the town, and I swear that I will never order it again in Malaysia. However, Twenty One Grams changed my mind. I swear that they serves a good worthy one.

Chai Latte at it's best.

Brioche French Toast at RM14.90

Pretty presentation by the lady chef. And from the picture, you could see how generous they are with their fruits. Their strawberries are really fresh and their bananas were right on point - I do not like it too raw.

The french toast is fully soaked, however they did not make it overly soft. I like how the texture is - it's soft enough for the bread to absorb to be flavourful. The sweetness of the fruits accommodate the taste of the french toast perfectly. I do not like how one of them cover up each other with sweetness. It's so difficult to find balance whenever it comes to brioche french toast.

This will be the perfect combination for tea time! :)

Pasta Marina at RM16.90

This would be the best pasta choices among the ones they offer. Their generosity on their seafood makes me happy. Their tomato cream sauce is blend with little minced meat . This pasta is very satisfying. If you're not craving for any brunch-like food, please order this plate of goodness.

The TOG Breakfast - RM21

This is the plate of big breakfast they offer. Their bread may look ordinary, but it's homemade.

Also, you can customized your own breakfast by choosing through the availability of food they have on their menu. This give you a chance to have your breakfast the way you like.

Compare to this, I'll love to their out their speciality based on their recommendation. I believe that every place have their selling point.

There is no need to crack your head to think what to have before your coffee break because this place serves everything. From Brunch type of food to coffee, pasta, burger, sandwiches and even desserts ( which I am dying to try). All their bread and cakes are made by themselves.

Their originality also something very captivating along with their recycled idea.

Their concept is already good, and their food made it up to point. Not to mention that, their prices are really reasonable with the portion they serve.

If you are not up for food and just want a simple break from your hectic day, their coffee and environment definitely will make up to this. Their interior is very comfortable. Though it looks more complicated in pictures, but in reality, they give you comfort.

A cup of chai latte, a slice of cake or a bowl of soup , with their cosy and comfortable environment together with the playlist on point. It would be better if it's raining outside because we are allow to see outside since it's glass.

Tell me your definition of heaven, when I just told you mine with Twenty One Grams.

Also, it screams instaworthy with every corner.

I can't wait to try out the other things they offer on the menu. I would really love to try out the classic cheeseburger because they are served with charcoal bun. Not to mention their churros for dessert.

Also another bonus;

Definitely something that I need to share! :p

So, do you want to have cheeseburger with me?

xx

TWENTY ONE GRAMS

7, Jalan 52/16, PJ Newtown,

Petaling Jaya, Malaysia

03-7931 6407

Opening hourse : 10am-11pm ( Close on Mondays)

Posted by
Carmen Lim Kah Mun

Saturday, March 28, 2015

As the days goes by, I have this feeling crippling into me. It is really disturbing , because it is invading my rationalism that I always put in the first line of everything. It's scaring me about how time passes. I remember that I always complain about why does it take so long to grow up. Now, I am begging for the time to slow down a little - to allow me to feel more, see more and understand more things in life. Everything happens too fast. Once you've got it, you lose it. It feels like a dream; dreams are powerful but it doesn't last. I want something that is real. I dislike to have doubts in between.

Perhaps I am not ready. Or maybe, this is because I have nothing to look forward to. That's why I want time to slow down. To allow me to get back to the normal pace, but time doesn't wait. Just because you want to have a break to slow down doesn't mean people will stop for you to. There is so much I want to do, but do not have the courage to. I've fail quite a number of times that I am afraid. Next time, the disappointment might hurt less but..it still hurts.

I have lose people, I've been broken. I loved. I healed.

We only live once, and we are only young once. I know that this is the time where I go through the different phrases of life and grow from it. So, I always try. I go all in for everything because I don't want the days where I feel that I have enough and reminisce to something that I never do. I don't want the scene of me blaming myself for not doing something when I have the chance to.

You see, you only got to do it when you have the chance. Second chances are too rare - and mostly, it don't exist.

As the days pass, I think of the consequences too much. I fear. I never feel so afraid of doing something.And I don't even know why. I don't want to face the defeat with time. I don't want to lose to time. I have so many things I want to do, and I have so many plans to propose to create memories to fill in the lines of my youth. But I'm so tied down with fear and I hate it.

We are always losing to time no matter how quick we are.

You can only enjoy when you have it. You can only love when you have it.

Appreciate everything - the laughter, the love, the sweet bitter moments and even the sadness in it. They are all cherish-able.

It's going to be the fourth month of 2015. It's less than half a year to a foreign place where I always look forward to. But why do I feel so sad and afraid as the time come close? I thought I've always looking forward to it.

Maybe I'm already ready to be there, but not ready for things to change.

Posted by
Carmen Lim Kah Mun

Tuesday, March 24, 2015

One short passage can touch your heart.

Beau Taplin is amazing.

x.

Posted by
Carmen Lim Kah Mun

Saturday, March 21, 2015

I've mentioned that I wanted to share something about my make up products; and I acknowledged that it was quite a while ago. The other day, I took sometime to snap pictures of my products. You normally don't expect me to be so hardworking. I was just taking a break from throwing all the unused or expired stuff on my dressing table. I have this bad habit of buying things that I wouldn't use and leave it there until it's expired.

An advice for you girls,

don't ever buy make up because there's a rebate - because you will end up wasting your money.

*cough* I'm the walking example.

Here comes the whole point of this post ;

This is my 'daily' make up products ;

I don't usually put them on when I go out for a while or to uni because I'm too lazy to do all these in the morning. I'll only put concealer and draw my eyebrows when I head to uni.

Above is what I always use when I go out with my friends or head for coffee breaks.

As I grow up, I realized that it's necessary to keep make up light.

Why?

Light make up = less cleansing.

You will look more natural, and closer to your bare face ( so you don't scare your friends during sleepovers)

Light make up is quick ; I only take maximum of five minutes to do my make up.

It makes you look friendlier.

It saves you a lot of money, because you don't need to restock often.

I started with heavy make up, and tried a lot of ways to find myself suitable products and type of make up that I can do on daily purpose. This took me quite awhile, so it depends on individual's skin tone and features. Also, it also depends on your style of clothing.

The foundation of this whole girly process will start with the basic of choosing skin products. So here I am to introduce my basics for my skin.

First step of the whole lengthy process, it is essential to have :

Primer / Sunscreen

Concealer

Foundation

However, I don't use foundation on daily basis because I have an even skin tone. I only use foundation occasionally - during dinner or when I have the time of the month. You cannot deny that you look way more horrible you are during that period.

Here is what I have on the table ;

Laura Mercier Foundation Primer - Hydrating

3 Concept Eyes Waterful Concealer - Shade #1

NARS Radient Creamy Concealer - Medium 2 Ginger

Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation - Beige Ivory

Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation - Rose Ivory

Urban Decay Illuminating Powder

#1

These are the two concealers I have ; and I love both of them that I couldn't make up my mind which is better.

I use 3CE on daily to cover up my eye circles when I head out. I don't want to have tired looking eyes , or specifically look like ju-on when I take selfie. They only have two shades for this concealer, depending on your skin tone. For me, I use shade #1. If you are slightly tanner, you could use shade #2 .

Price depending on where you buy it. I bought it at RM52.

NARS has the best concealer ever , and I believe that this is the mos recommended concealer all over the net. I have two colours for this concealer because I thought I lost the first one. I have two shades for them to match with my different foundation then. Medium 2 Ginger and Light 1 Honey.

For this brand, I think is better for you to head over the store to try them out. The people in NARS are super friendly, and helpful. You will definitely come out of the store with good products and more information about make up.

NARS concealer is priced at RM 110.

#2

#3

Laura Mercier is famous for their perfect coverage foundation.

They have 5 types of different primer depending on your skin tone. Their primer is a must buy. I use 'hydrating' for primer since my skin is very dry.

For foundation, I bought two shades since I couldn't make up my mind which is more suitable for me. I heard that they have Photo Edition foundation which makes your face shines when you are taking pictures. That's too advance for me right now. So I'd use the basic first.

My skin tone is suitable for Ivory shade. Beige Ivory makes me look a little paler so I have this on whenever I want my whole look to be minimalistic. For Rose Ivory, I will use it for special occasions since I want my face to glow and look a little more pinkish.

For the both combination. Also, I use 3CE to replace NARS sometimes because 3CE is more watery, which is good for my eye area. The area under my eyes are really sensitive, so I need my make up base to me very moisturising. 3CE 'waterful' concealer sometimes does the magic. And they could easily blend.

Laura Mercier Primer is priced at RM139 and Foundation is depending on their size. I bought the smaller one at RM119, since I don't always use foundation.

I prefer foundation over BBcream/CC cream because they are easily cleansed. BBcream's particles are smaller and often, they go all the way to your skin pores. If it's not cleanse thoroughly, it will cause skin pore blockage. I'm very lazy, and I think foundation has better coverage lol.

#4

This pancake powder is only to illuminate my features , which means make my face glow especially in pictures. This is also the reason why I keep my face make up basic. Beside making my face glow, it also lock my foundation so it doesn't wear off quickly. I could look the same for the whole day, just by applying this on. I think this would be one of the best product of Urban Decay besides Naked eyeshadow. A must have! ; it's priced at RM168.

Now, for my brows.

#5

Benefit instabrow pencil. I'd prefer this over the eyebrow palette because it lasts much more longer. However, I am not stubborn on my eyebrow pencils because I change brand from time to time. This would be one of the best I've tried . At RM85 ; which I think is a little expensive for an eyebrow pencil.

Tip : To ensure your brow make up last longer, use eyebrow mascara after drawing your brows ( I'm using Shu Uemura's) or just use your eyeshadow with the matching colour to brush on top to make it last longer.

Tip #2 : Please choose the correct colour, matching with your hair.

Tip #3 : Control the width of your eyebrows, please!

#6

I'd prefer gel pencil eyeliner so that I can smudge it easily. Black from 3CE ; and Brown from 20's Factory. I cannot deny how good korean brands are when it comes to all these. I will explore more of them and share if there are good ones.

Both of them priced around RM50++

#7

Top is brown, and bottom is black.

I always put on brown eyeliner so that my whole make up is soft. Black would be used whenever I want to enhance my eyes and whenever I want have heavier make up. Also, it's easier to smudge to blend it with anything.

#8

3CE GEL Eyeliner which I hardly use, but it is really long lasting!

For mascara, I do not specifically have any favourite. However, I've received a gift from my friend and Chanel Mascara is easily removed and natural.

Lipstick and lipgloss are my essentials. They are also the statement in this whole process because many people remember me by my red lips, lol. For this, I'll keep it for the next post about my thoughts on lipstick.

This whole post shows rather more dedication than I thought. I hope that this could help a little. I was really lost when I first approach this, and then I realized that they are the best invention ever ( besides plastic surgery, lol).

Just remember to keep it light, and you will look more than just fine.

xx

Posted by
Carmen Lim Kah Mun

Monday, March 16, 2015

I had a craving for thai food for a period of time because nobody wants to have thai for lunch. I was supposed to go for MyElephantThai that day, however something turn up so everyone ditches me. Thank god that Xiuming was free that day. And also, I had Thai for dinner. #lovehertothemoonandback lol.

She suggested us to try out this thai restaurant which have been in taipan for a while. They have pretty good reviews and also, their price are way cheaper than the initial restaurant I wanted to go.

The interior is really simple. They remind me alot of BKK. Most of the thai restaurants you could find in BKK, are actually like this. They are pretty minimalistic. Only places like this serves quality food , pairing up with affordable price.

I can't believe that I forgot to post this on insta. I guess, I'll do a throwback soon for this picture. There is a lot of effort behind every picture I took, okay.

The food ;

Som Tum at RM 9.90

House Speciality Papaya Salad , which is one of the famous dish in Phad Thai restaurant. The portion is hearty, and I love how crunchy they make the whole dish is. This cold serving of Papaya Salad is different from the traditional Som Tum with the presence of boiled salted egg. Definitely a must have for their appetizer!

Kampong Tom Yam Seafood at RM15.90

Instead of Tom Yam Goong, we decided to try Clear Soup tomyam. I didn't want too much of coconut milk since we are having green curry. As you can see, their generous amount of ingredients given made it so worthy. To be honest, I always prefer clear soup over the ones with coconut milk - Tom Yam Goong. This is definitely something comforting during rainy days.

Green Curry Chicken at RM 12.90

This green curry is good. Although myElephant Thai still wins, I think they serve the most authentic green curry. Their ingredients are pretty basic which is what is essential in the dish. The gravy goes so well with the rice. It is really difficult to find good green curry outside. This is rather more than just good.

Instead of having white rice, both of us went all greedy to order speciality rice. I can't believe that I agree to it or, was I the one who suggested that. This breaks my calorie meter. I wonder what did I have in mind that I have let myself all lose.

Whatever it is, I have no regets.

Pineapple Fried Rice at RM9.90

Nothing beats this famous thai-style fried rice serve in pineapple. I like with a lot of roasted cashew nuts and pineapple. It's easy to find this dish everywhere else, but not many of them have good nuts lol. I remember I had one plate with the spoiled nuts, and also it spoils my day. I could rate this a 7/10 ; I don't like my fried rice wet. Also, this is not as oily as it seems. ( although it doesn't save anything else)

Crab Meat Fried Rice at RM 7.90

We couldn't make up our mind if we want noodles or rice. I never like thai-style noodles so I suggested another dish. Also, it's good to go with our combination of order above. Compare to Pineapple Fried Rice, I think this loses a little bit. It tastes good, but their ingredients are minimal. Also, it's too oily for our liking.

With drinks, we settle for the basic.

Thai Milk Tea- RM3

It tastes a little like Teh Ais, and I always love this drink. This is definitely something different. I feel that its the innovation of our teh ais, lol. Must order ok!

Pandan Tea -RM1.50

It was all colouring :(

Meet Ming, lol.

And me , lol.

Looking at this picture makes me speechless.

How can the both of us have this much of food?

I remember us sitting in the restaurant for 20 minutes, having food coma, It has been a while since I feel so satisfied from food. Keeping my weight in check is not something I want to do, but need to do.

Whatever it is, this thai dinner didn't bring any regrets.

I don't always share the address, but I highly recommend you whom love THAI to visit this place in Taipan. Sometimes, you do not need to travel far for good food.